Best home security systems in the UK 2024

Best home security systems

The latest home security deals and discounts

Best overall home security system for 2024

SimpliSafe: Best overall

How we test the best home security systems

An in-depth look at the best home security systems

Verisure: Best for bespoke packages

• Installation type: Professional
• Packages starting price: By quotation 
• Subscription prices: £32 
• Number of packages: Fully customisable
• Monitoring: Professional monitoring 
• Smart home integration: Amazon Alexa and Google Home

Verisure is one of the best home security system brands available for households looking for constant professional monitoring and a flexible and customisable set-up. Professional installers will arrive at your home within 24 hours of the initial quotation to get your system up and running, allowing for minimal delays once you’ve picked your perfect system. 

Verisure is better suited to homeowners rather than renters due to the professional installation required for each system. For those renting, Abode, Ring and SimpliSafe will be better options. 

Pros

Fully bespoke packages to fit every need

The only company that works with dual alarms

24/7 monitoring and guard response

Professional installation

Cons

Initial cost can be high

Systems work best with a subscription

Abode: Best budget systems

Yale: Best no-contract system 

Ring: Best for pensioners  

• Installation type: DIY
• Packages starting price: From £219.99 
• Subscription prices per month: £4.99 for Ring Basic, £8 for Ring Plus
• Number of packages: Three, plus custom options  
• Monitoring: Professional monitoring 
• Smart home integration: Amazon Alexa and Google Home

Ring is an affordable, highly customisable security system that can be easily installed at home. Due to the simple interface and set-up of Ring’s gadgets, its devices are ideal for pensioners or for those who don’t feel as comfortable working with more advanced systems. 

Ring is a compact yet comprehensive home security system that includes all the necessary basics and is scalable to your needs, giving you the freedom to pick and choose which devices are right for your home. 

Pros

Easy to set up and use

Affordable

Excellent weatherproof doorbell camera

Connectable with smart home items

Cons

Privacy concerns (including class-action lawsuits in the US)

Features like priority alerts and video saving are only available with a subscription

Arlo: Best for tech enthusiasts

Cost comparison of home security systems

Cost is an important factor when picking a home security system. The initial outlay should be within your budget, but you must also account for the monthly fees from a subscription service.   

Below, we have ranked all the best home security systems based on their cheapest package. For your reference, we have also included the most expensive system from each company. 

Home security system	Cheapest package	What’s included?	Most expensive package	What’s included?
Abode	£197.99 (Abode Security Kit)	Security hub, Mini sensor, Key fob	£384.99 (iota Security Kit)	iota starter kit
Yale	£219.98 (Sync Smart Home Alarm – 5 Piece Bundle)	Smart hub, Motion detector, Door/Window contract sensor x2, Key fob	£549.98 (Sync Smart Home Alarm 14 Piece Kit with White All-in-one Camera)	Smart hub, Yellow siren, Motion detector x5, Door/Window contact sensor x4, Keypad, Keyfob, All in one camera – White
Ring	£219.99 (Alarm Pack)	Base station, Alarm keypad, Alarm contract sensor, Alarm motion detector, Alarm range extender	£299.99 (Alarm, Doorbell + Indoor Camera (2nd Gen) Pack L)	Base station, Alarm keypad, Alarm contact sensor x4, Alarm motion detector x3, Alarm range extender, Video doorbell, Indoor camera
SimpliSafe	£284.96 (The Foundation)	Base station, Wired indoor camera x2, Keypad, Entry sensor	£664.87 (The Edinburgh)	Base station, Motion sensor x2, Key fob x2, Wired indoor camera x2, Keypad, Temperature sensor, Wireless outdoor camera, Entry sensor x3, Water sensor
Arlo	£479.96 (Essential Home Security Kit)	Essential spotlight camera x2, Essential wire-free video doorbell, Solar panel charger	£1529.95	Base station, Floodlight 2K camera, Ultra 4K cameras x4, Essential wireless video doorbell and chime 2K, Solar panel charger

As you can see, Abode, Ring and Yale are some of the cheapest providers, with Arlo being the most expensive overall. You should always consider what devices come with each package, as you may find that Yale’s cheapest system is more useful for your home than Ring’s most expensive kit. 

Ring’s Alarm, Doorbell + Indoor Camera (2nd Gen) Pack is one of the best value-for-money systems on the market, coming with key devices including motion sensors, indoor cameras and a base station for under £300.

You must also consider the monthly fees of these home security systems since key features are often locked behind a subscription wall. Most providers offer at least two subscription services which unlock various features, most commonly including 30-day video storage, live viewing and 24/7 professional monitoring. 

Below, we have listed the subscription services available from each provider alongside which features they come with. 

Home security system	Cheapest subscription	What’s included?	Most expensive subscription	What’s included?
Abode	Abode Standard (£7.99)	One-touch arm/disarm, Push notification alerts, Apple HomeKit support, Smart home integrations, Camera paring, Unlimited Users, Email notifications, Customisable notifications, Timeline, Home automation, Geofencing, 7-day storage	Abode Pro (£13.99)	One-touch arm/disarm, Push notification alerts, Apple HomeKit support, Smart home integrations, Camera paring, Unlimited Users, Email notifications, Customisable notifications, Timeline, Home automation, Geofencing, 7-day storage, 4G backup connectivity, 10-day video storage, 24/7 professional monitoring, Exclusive deals and discounts
Yale	Yale Camera Plan (£3.50)	Cloud recording, Advanced AI motion detection	Yale Secure Pro Plan (£36)	Cellular backup, Call alerts, 24/7 professional monitoring, Cloud recording for all cameras, Advanced AI motion detection
Ring	Ring Basic (£4.99)	1-year limited warranty, Motion activated notifications, Live view, Two-way talk. 180 days video storage, Download up to 50 videos, Video saving and sharing, Snapshot capture, Package alerts, Person alerts, Rich notifications, 10% selected Ring products	Ring Plus (£8)	1 year limited warranty, Motion activated notifications, Live view, Two-way talk. 180 days video storage, Download up to 50 videos, Video saving and sharing, Snapshot capture, Package alerts, Person alerts, Rich notifications, 10% selected Ring products, Advanced video features, Enhanced notifications, Extended warranty for all devices
SimpliSafe	SimpliSafe Pro (£15.99)	24/7 live alarm monitoring, Full self-monitoring on mobile app, Up to one-year hardware warranty, 24/7 flood and extreme temperature monitoring	SimpliSafe Pro Premium (£27.99)	24/7 professional monitoring, Police response, Securitas guard response, Whole home protection, Instant alarm alerts, Unlimited camera recordings, 30-day cloud storage, Premium extended hardware warranty, Advanced app features
Arlo	Arlo Single Cam (£4.99)	Advanced detection, Activity zones, 30-day video storage, theft replacement, 2K video resolution, one camera covered	Arlo Secure Plus (£14.99)	Advanced detection, Activity zones, 30-day video storage, theft replacement, 4K video resolution, unlimited camera coverage, 12 months extra hardware warranty, VIP customer support

SimpliSafe’s Pro Premium plan is the most comprehensive, offering police response to emergencies their agents have verified. This plan is ideal for complete coverage, but the cost is high. If you want to cut costs, Yale offers the least features with its subscription plans, making it the best no-contract home security system. 

Subscription plans are not always necessary, but they often make your system more well-rounded and increase security. Some households will benefit from higher levels of security than others, making it paramount to compare subscription features and prices when picking a home security plan and provider.

Our guide to home security systems

Home security systems are made up of multiple electronic devices that work in tandem to protect the home and increase surveillance. For a closer look at how these systems work, look at our SimpliSafe review, which is our pick for the best home security system. 

Usually, home security systems are made up of these devices:

• Base station: A base station comes as standard with most home security systems and connects all the subsequent devices, allowing you to control each element from an app on your phone. 
• Indoor and outdoor security cameras: The best home security cameras allow homeowners to watch activity in and outside their property, depending on the model. Some cameras will come with advanced features such as infrared or night vision for improved visibility at different times of the day. Two-way audio is also common, allowing for communication between people in the home and the homeowner.
• Motion detectors: Motion sensors can be placed anywhere in the home, although we recommend placing them near entryway points so you’re aware of people coming in and out of your property. 
• Door and window sensors: Similar to motion detectors, door and window sensors are placed around the house. These sensors are more common in systems designed for homes with pets and children, as they offer a more comprehensive insight into who’s in your home than a standard motion detector. 
• Video doorbell: The best video doorbells come with a high-resolution camera and two-way audio so you can communicate with people at your door. The angle of the camera will differ between doorbells, but it should provide a clear view of the area around your front door. Note that not every home security system comes with a video doorbell and some households will not have the right infrastructure to install one.
• Sirens: Depending on the model, some sirens can be placed inside the home, while others are designed to be used outside We recommend placing sirens in areas where you can hear them throughout the property. Some companies, such as Arlo, do not sell sirens as standalone devices but instead integrate them into other gadgets like cameras. There is no standard for how loud sirens should be, but outside sirens should reach up to 100 decibels, while indoor sirens should sit around 80 decibels. 

What are smart home systems and do you need one?

Smart home systems do not relate directly to home security systems, however, in some instances, they can be paired together. 

Smart home devices come from several brands, but the most common ones are from Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Philips Hue. These devices allow for smart control over various electronic devices in the home, including lights, thermostats, kitchen appliances and smart hubs. 

Smart home ecosystems are becoming more popular as more people seek to remotely control their homes. As time goes on, smart home systems are becoming more seamless and integrating with more technology, with a big focus on reducing people’s carbon footprint. 

Smart lights and thermostats, for example, can be remotely activated and deactivated at certain times of the day to save money and power. Some smart home systems are more focused on convenience, like smart coffee machines that turn on in the morning as your morning alarm goes off. 

Below, we’ve listed which home security systems work best with smart home technology: 

• Ring: Best for Amazon Alexa: Users can sync Ring Video Doorbells, Security Cameras, Ring Alarms and Ring Intercoms with the Alexa app. Moreover, devices like the Echo Hub, Echo Show, supported Fibre Tablets and Fire TV Sticks can engage in two-way talk and live viewing from cameras.
• SimpliSafe: Best for Google Home: Google Home devices can be used to turn on your security system, arm or disarm your devices and set the system to Home or Away functionality. 
• Abode: Best for Apple HomeKit: Users can receive notifications from Abode Alarms, Motion Sensors, and Window and Door Sensors in the Apple Home app. Siri can also be used to voice control supported Abode devices.

How to choose the best home security system for you

Multiple factors go into picking the best home security system for your needs. Here are some of the biggest factors to consider. 

Cost 

If money is no object for your household you have a wider array of systems to pick from. However, if you are working on a budget you should consider more affordable packages. The cheapest systems come from Abode (£197.99) and Ring (£219.99), which can be installed without professional assistance. 

Monthly contracts will also affect the cost, especially since some brands lock important features behind subscription fees. If you don’t want to be locked into a costly monthly subscription, consider Yale, our top pick for the best no-contract home security system. 

Contract period

Professional monitoring plans usually come with a contract period. Contract lengths can vary, and some brands require lengthy contracts that keep you locked in for months or even years. 

With that in mind, consider if you can afford a year-long subscription and if you will be living in the same place for all that time. SimpliSafe’s subscription plans can be cancelled at any time during the contract, making it one of the best choices for those who can afford a payment plan but don’t want a lengthy commitment. 

Property type

The type of property you live in is arguably the most important factor in determining what home security system is right for you. 

If you live in an apartment, you must ensure that equipment like video doorbells and intercom systems will work with your property and any existing infrastructure. If not, customising your package may be more cost-effective than buying a ready-made system that you can’t make complete use of. 

If you live in a house, you must determine how many devices you need to cover all key areas of the home. Larger houses will need more cameras and sensors, especially if there are multiple points of entry. Smaller houses won’t need as much coverage. Those with a garden or driveway will also want to consider outdoor cameras, sirens or floodlights. 

Finally, if you rent your property you will want to look at DIY packages that can be easily installed and uninstalled without leaving any permanent marks or damage to the walls or ceilings. Abode and Ring are two of the best system choices for renters due to these benefits. 

Available packages 

Most home security system brands offer ready-made packages that come with specific elements. Other brands allow you to create your own package from scratch, or customise an existing system to your needs. 

You should always compare a variety of ready-made packages and bespoke options to ensure you are building the right package for your home and find the best quote. 

Equipment 

Your equipment should be high quality, easy to use and simple to install. 

You can also find additional equipment from various providers which offer an extra layer of security. These devices can include:

• Smart locks
• Keypads
• Glass break sensors
• Key fobs
• Panic buttons 
• Smoke and CO detectors 

If you live in a smaller property it’s unlikely you will need to invest in additional devices, as you should get good coverage of your home with less equipment. If you live in a large property, however, installing more equipment may be necessary to adequately protect your home. 

Special features

Specific needs require specific equipment, which must be considered when picking a new system. These can change the overall price of your system and must also be taken into account with your budget. 

If you frequently experience issues with your power, consider investing in a battery backup system for your equipment. This can also be solved by utilising local or cloud storage, although keep in mind that the latter is usually only available with a subscription. 

Outdoor floodlights are a good option if your home or garden is not within the range of street lights, since a darker property, both inside and outside, is more likely to be targeted by a burglar, according to a report from the National Library of Medicine.

Certain cameras can differentiate between people, pets and vehicles and notify you if any of them come into the frame. This type of technology is ideal for households with small children or pets, as it will limit the number of false alarms you receive and give you a better idea of who’s coming in and out of your property. 

DIY vs professional installation 

DIY home security systems are just as effective as professionally installed systems and come with the benefit of affordability and flexibility. 

Multiple brands can be installed yourself, with some of the most popular being Abode, Ring, SimpliSafe and Arlo. If you are comfortable using power tools you will have no trouble installing a camera or video doorbell, but you should always check the instructions to ensure everything is set up correctly. 

On the other hand, if you are not comfortable using power tools and would prefer professional assistance, many DIY systems still offer a professional installation service. Having your system installed by an expert does ensure more peace of mind, but will cost more. If you want to save money, you can always hire a third-party technician to install your system at a lower cost.   

How to install a home security system

Many of the best home security systems can be installed at home without any professional assistance. For more guidance on how to install your system effectively, follow our step-by-step guide. 

Step 1: Assessing and planning

You should first survey your home. Identify entry points and weak areas of security in your home, this should help you decide where to install your sensors and cameras. We suggest considering your equipment range and field of view.   

Step 2: Install the central hub

Your central hub is how your different equipment pieces communicate. You should wall mount it or place it on a table near a power source (if needed) somewhere central in your home. It’s crucial that your sensors and cameras can wirelessly connect to it. 

Step 3: Install sensors

Door and window sensors usually have two parts, one for the frame and the other for the moving part of the door or window. Attach them by following the instructions you have to hand. Motion sensors should be installed in the corners of your rooms, giving them an expansive view of the space.

Step 4: Install cameras

Security cameras are typically installed on front or back doors or in the main living area of your home. When installing cameras, always ensure the positioning is appropriate based on their field of view and your wifi signal strength covers the area – you will need to connect them to your central hub via wifi. You’ll want to place your camera near a power source if it isn’t wireless.

Step 5: Set up monitoring and your home security app

Download the home security app onto your smartphone from the app store, create an account and action any prompted on-screen instructions. Once downloaded, via the app settings you can set preferences for alerts, entry and exit delays and alarm volume – depending on your chosen system you may have access to other features. 

Step 6: Test your system

Activate your system via the app or your central hub. Make sure you test all of your sensors, alarms and cameras to ensure full functionality and communication with the central hub, making any adjustments as necessary.

Tips for professional installation 

Having your system installed by someone else puts less pressure on the homeowner, but there are still some factors to consider to ensure everything goes smoothly. 

• Pick a reliable provider: Ensure you’re working with a reliable provider that always endeavours to offer the best service. You can find out more about each provider by looking at our reviews and third-party review websites, such as Trustpilot. 
• Talk to your technician about placement: Once your technician arrives, make them aware of any preferences you may have about placement. You may want your cameras to be installed low enough to be easily accessible, or for your sensors to be placed on specific windows or doors. Discuss these preferences with your technician and take into consideration any expert advice they may offer. 
• Ask any questions you may have: If you’re unsure about anything with your system or the installation process, make sure you ask. Qualified professionals will be more than happy to help and answer any questions.
• Ask how to contact your provider: While you ideally won’t have any issues once your system is installed, it’s still important to know who to contact if you do run into any issues. Ask your technician for the best phone number or email to contact them with if you have any more questions or problems with your home security system.   

In summary 

In conclusion, no one home security system will be right for every household, but there are still features and devices to look out for. SimpliSafe is our top overall provider due to its quality devices and wide range of packages, but other brands may cater more closely to your specific needs. 

ADT is one of the best systems for those looking for professional monitoring, Arlo offers some of the highest resolution cameras on the market, and Ring and Abode are great picks for households on a budget that want to take a DIY approach. 

Make sure you compare devices, subscription fees, features, and costs of each system to find the one that best fits your needs. Check out our other comprehensive guides on smart home security systems for a deeper look at what’s currently on offer and how it can protect your home. 

Frequently asked questions about home security

What is the best home security system in the UK?

SimpliSafe is our top pick for the best home security system. Its wide range of packages come with key security devices, including cameras, sensors and video doorbells, with the option to opt for 24/7 professional monitoring with its subscription service. 

However, you should still compare different home security systems to find the best package for your home. Take into account your budget, needs and property type when looking at packages. You can also invest in specific devices instead of a complete system if you only need a low level of coverage.

How much does a home security system cost?

Our experts calculated the average price of all the different home security systems from the brands listed in this article. ADT and Verisure were not included in our calculation since their prices are based on your specific home and needs, with no prices listed on their website.

We found that the average price of home security systems is £426.50. When looking at the average of the cheapest system from each brand, the average price was brought down to £333.65.

Are DIY home security systems effective?

DIY home security systems are just as effective and professionally installed systems. Professionally installed systems come with the benefit of peace of mind and explanation from the installers. 

DIY home security systems, on the other hand, are better for your budget and allow for flexibility in terms of gadget placement and usage. To ensure you are getting the most out of your home security system, follow the instructions for each gadget and test each element to guarantee they’re working correctly.

What are the advantages of professional monitoring?

Professional monitoring offers increased peace of mind and protection for your home. It can also help eliminate false alarms while still cracking down on real emergencies, whether from intruders or natural disasters like floods or fires. 

Can I install a home security system myself?

Depending on the type of home security system and the brand, you can install them yourself. Some brands, such as ADT, encourage professional installation, while some brands are known for their DIY products, such as Ring. 

If you want to save money but don’t feel comfortable installing a system yourself, you can always hire a third-party technician to install your system for you, which could work out cheaper than going with a representative from the company. 

What smart home devices are compatible with security systems?

Depending on your home security system, it will be compatible with various home ecosystems, including Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit and Philips Hue. 

If you own smart devices from these ecosystems, you can turn on lights, set thermostats and create timers using your home security app. Check the website or app to find out what connected devices are compatible with your home security system.

How do I choose the right home security system for my home?

Picking the right home security system for your home comes down to a few factors. Namely, if you live in a large house with other people, children or pets, you will want to invest in a comprehensive package with many elements, such as SimpliSafe’s 13-piece set, The Edinburgh. 

However, if you live in an apartment by yourself or with one other person, smaller systems with fewer gadgets are better suited. If you are a renter you will also want to prioritise systems with easy-to-remove elements that don’t require drilling or permanent fixtures – something you won’t need to consider if you own your property and don’t plan on moving.

What are the best budget-friendly home security systems?

We calculated the average price of all the brands listed in this article, other than ADT and Verisure since their prices depend on your home. 

The cheapest average price came from Ring, at £246.65. Abode was the second most affordable, with its packages averaging £292.65. The cheapest package from Ring is £219.99, while the cheapest from Abode is £197.99.

How do home security systems prevent burglaries?

An article from the Police.uk suggests that using CTTV, alarms and triggered lighting can help deter burglars from your property as they are marked as higher risk than unsecured homes.

It’s important to understand that these devices will not make you immune to crime, however, these elements do act as a deterrent and can help you make decisive action if you do become aware or suspicious of someone on your property.

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